Record rainfall in the Washington DC area caused severe flooding and major traffic problems near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on 17 July, 2018. Over 2.63 inches (66.8 mm) of rain fell in less than an hour.
Arlington County Fire Department, Virginia, reported that 25 vehicles were stranded in deep flood water on George Washington Memorial Parkway at Reagan Airport. At least 40 people had to be rescued from the vehicles. No injuries or medical emergencies were reported.
NWS Baltimore / Washington DC said that the record rainfall came after a long dry period.
“Through the first 15 days of July (and in fact, the 16th also), only a trace of rain was observed at Reagan National Airport. This is the only time on record, dating back to 1871, that no measurable rain fell in the first 15 days of July.”
“Then, on July 17th, that all changed almost in an instant. Torrential rain moved directly over the airport and the city. Preliminary numbers show 2.63 inches (66.8 mm) of rain falling in just 46 minutes. 0.95″ (24.1 mm) fell in just 11 minutes.”
A total of 2.79 inches (70.86 mm) of rain was recorded at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, breaking the previous 17 July record of 52 mm (2.05 inches) set in 1945.
Social Media
CORRECTION: After coordinating with the BWI weather observer regarding a sensor issue, it has been determined today's rainfall total is 3.34 inches. https://t.co/5CdvNAcbYQ
— NWS DC/Baltimore (@NWS_BaltWash) July 18, 2018
Video of stranded motorists being brought to safety by the Water Rescue Team during today’s incident at GW Pkwy. pic.twitter.com/udHb4jktY7
— Arlington Fire (@ArlingtonVaFD) July 17, 2018
#Breaking: 20 plus vehicles with water up to their doors on GW Pkwy at Reagan Airport. Avoid GW PKWY!!! pic.twitter.com/61BaHuyroQ
— Arlington Fire (@ArlingtonVaFD) July 17, 2018
#Update: This is what crews encountered upon arriving to the scene on GW Pkwy. Expect GW Pkwy to be shut down for several hours!!! pic.twitter.com/J7Z4orVpXV
— Arlington Fire (@ArlingtonVaFD) July 17, 2018
#FinalUpdate: FD units all in service. 40 people removed from 25 stranded vehicles. No injuries or medical emergencies reported. @usparkpolicepio on scene working to clear roadway. pic.twitter.com/h0uOsnl7NR
— Arlington Fire (@ArlingtonVaFD) July 17, 2018
Flood Summary
Locations
B -
Magnitude
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport - July 17 to July 17, 2018
NWS said "torrential rain moved directly over the airport and the city. Preliminary numbers show 2.63 inches (66.8 mm) of rain falling in just 46 minutes. 0.95″ (24.1 mm) fell in just 11 minutes.”
Damages
Washington DC - July 17 to July 17, 2018
Arlington County Fire Department, Virginia, reported that 25 vehicles were stranded in deep flood water on George Washington Memorial Parkway at Reagan Airport. At least 40 people had to be rescued from the vehicles. No injuries or medical emergencies were reported.
